Postman dies trying to free van from snow in East Anstey near Exmoor

A postman collapsed and died on his round as he battled to free his van after it became stuck in a snowdrift, near East Anstey, it was reported last night. John Bircham, of Dulverton, Somerset, suffered a suspected heart attack as he fought through snow on Saturday, a Royal Mail source said. Exmoor was one of the worst hit areas as snow caused huge drifts. Royal Mail manager Ian Frankum, said Mr Bircham had been a postman for 24 years and worked at Dulverton."He was a valued member of staff. He will be sorely missed."